Archaeologists find huge Viking textile production site in Denmark
SØFTEN, Denmark (AP) — Archaeologists say they have discovered a huge Viking Age textile production site in Denmark that dates back more than 1,000 years and underlines the sophistication of Viking society. Experts from the Moesgaard Museum said this week that the sprawling, more than 1 million square-foot site features an area for processing flax as well as more than 80 pit houses. The semi-buried huts were used as workshops and dwellings in Viking times. A historian says goods and resources were likely brought from the countryside and settlements like this one before entering an extensive international trade network.
New York Knicks revel in their NBA victory parade as joyous fans and celebs fill the streets
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks celebrated their first NBA championship in 53 years with a ticker-tape parade through Manhattan’s “Canyon of Heroes,” drawing thousands of fans dressed in the team’s blue and orange. Finals MVP Jalen Brunson hoisted the trophy toward the crowd so they could touch it, while teammates rode floats through the streets or got off to interact with cheering fans. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a big Knicks fan, and celebrities including Spike Lee and Alicia Keys joined the party Thursday. The parade marks a historic moment for the franchise and city, which did not hold championship parades after the Knicks’ title wins in the 1970s.
Edmonton Oilers hire Mike Babcock after NHL clears veteran coach following an investigation
NEW YORK (AP) — The Edmonton Oilers have hired Mike Babcock as head coach, marking his return to the NHL after more than six years. The NHL cleared him following an investigation into his brief 2023 stint with Columbus. Babcock aims to lead stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to a Stanley Cup. Babcock, 63, has a history of success but also controversy. He stepped down from the Blue Jackets due to privacy concerns and has faced criticism for his coaching style. Despite past issues, the NHL found no reason to prevent his employment.
AI chatbots hit the dating scene, becoming the lovelorn's modern-day Cyrano
Artificial intelligence adopters have been using the tech in varied ways to find romance. Some patronize AI matchmaking services. Others use AI tools to help build their dating profiles. But the most common way is enlisting chatbots to draft messages to potential matches and interpret messages they receive. Dating apps and AI companies are leaning into it. ChatGPT and Gemini have posted content on TikTok showcasing their chatbots’ customized, personality-laden relationship advice. “Claude is the new Cyrano,” said dating coach Carey Gaynes, referencing the 19th century French play “Cyrano de Bergerac” in which the titular character is the brains behind another man’s romantic words.
Tucker Carlson says he'll no longer support the Republican Party
Tucker Carlson says he won't support the Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections. Speaking recently on the “Can't Be Censored” podcast, Carlson expressed disillusionment with the party he defended for over 35 years. He criticized the party for prioritizing foreign interests over American citizens. Carlson's views of the GOP have shifted, especially after President Donald Trump's decision to go to war with Iran in February. He campaigned for Trump in 2024 but later apologized for misleading people. Carlson insists he won't support the Democratic Party either.
A plan to sell artifacts from the Titanic faces US government opposition
A newly unsealed court filing shows the U.S. government opposes a plan to auction more than 100 artifacts recovered from the wreckage of the Titanic in the North Atlantic. The Georgia-based company RMS Titanic Inc. has exclusive salvage rights to the famous wreck, and has extracted dishware, gold coins and even pieces of the ship's hull. It wants to sell some of those artifacts for the first time, despite previous agreements to only display them at museums and traveling exhibitions. It proposed auctioning some artifacts and displaying them in four cities, however the details aren’t public. The U.S. government argues that plan would violate existing court orders and agreements, but the company says it would not.
Merlin the duck steals the spotlight at President Sheinbaum's news briefing
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Merlín the duck, Mexico’s unofficial World Cup mascot, stole the spotlight at President Claudia Sheinbaum’s news briefing. Wearing a green jersey, Merlín didn’t take questions Monday, but his owner, Carla Gómez, did. Gómez, a street vendor, introduced her family as representatives of Mexico’s working class. Her sons, Carlos and Cristian, help with the family business. Merlín, described as the “boss,” follows them around. Gómez shared her joy at Merlín capturing fans’ hearts, saying it’s been life-changing. The family’s story went viral, showcasing their hard work and determination.
Millions of honeybees escape into a rural Texas neighborhood after a semitrailer crash
Officials say millions of honeybees escaped into a rural Texas neighborhood after a semitrailer carrying about 400 hives tipped over. The crash happened Sunday morning in Orange County, Texas, located east of Houston and bordering Louisiana. Orange County emergency officials shut down the area and warned residents to stay in their homes while crews worked to unload the trailer and salvage as many hives as possible. No bee stings or serious injuries were immediately reported. The truck was headed to North Dakota. Officials haven’t identified the owner of the hives.
Serena Williams will play singles at Wimbledon in her tennis comeback at age 44
Serena Williams will play singles at Wimbledon after accepting a wild card invitation. The All England Club made the announcement eight days before the grass-court Grand Slam starts. The move comes after the 44-year-old Williams recently returned to competition in doubles after nearly four years away from professional tennis. And it means that Williams will play both singles and doubles at Wimbledon after already accepting a wild card for the doubles competition with older sister Venus. Serena has won 23 Grand Slam titles in singles including seven at Wimbledon.
Jets were 300 feet apart in Boston close call that forced Delta flight to abort landing, expert says
BOSTON (AP) — An aviation expert says a Delta Air Lines jet was roughly 300 feet from an American Airlines plane during a close call at Boston’s airport that forced the Delta aircraft to abort its landing. The Federal Aviation Administration says it's investigating Saturday's incident involving the two commercial flights Saturday at Boston Logan International Airport. Todd Curtis, a former safety engineer at Boeing, on Sunday estimated the distance between the two jetliners using Flightradar24, a website that tracks flights. Curtis called it a significant incident. Near-misses and runway incursions at U.S. airports will be the subject of a hearing Tuesday on Capitol Hill.
